IALC members, agents and study travel consultants from across the world converged in the progressive and expanding city of Shanghai for the 28th IALC Workshop. In total 103 out of 110 IALC schools showcased their programmes and facilities, with 105 agents flying in for a packed schedule of meetings, networking and evening entertainment. The IALC Workshop brought delegates from 44 countries, which underlined the nature of this truly international and world-recognised study travel event.Several new IALC accredited schools attended their first IALC Workshop, which was hosted by Mandarin House Chinese schools. These included VanWest College, CLLC and Emerald Cultural Institute. The event was also supported by 9 exhibitors including Rosetta Stone and LanguageRoom.com, and the 2011 Workshop official sponsors, Print to Post International (PPi) and Guard.me.
The four day programme at the first-class Le Meridien Shanghai Hotel, began with free agent seminars on key subjects such as E-Learning in the Language Travel Market. There followed a spectacular evening Welcome Reception with live Chinese music on a cruise boat down the famous Huangpu River. Delegates marvelled at the towering city skyline and neon-lit buildings of Shanghai whilst taking in the traditional architecture and bustling riverside activity of the adjacent Bund sidewalk.
Two days of intensive and productive meetings took place, with directors and decision makers of some of the best language schools in the world. At the Mandarin House school reception on the Friday evening, participants enjoyed traditional Chinese food and a number of different activities including Chinese calligraphy and language lessons.
Day three was wrapped up with a lavish gala dinner at the luxurious JW Marriott Hotel, where guests enjoyed a drinks reception overlooking Peoples Square, a four course dinner and marvellous Chinese entertainment including lion dancers and a kung fu performance, then a DJ and dancing until late.
The Workshop was rounded off with familiarisation trips to IALC schools in China and Japan and a Chinese Highlights Tour to visit ancient sites including the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors.
The four-day Workshop, IALC’s first in East Asia, received very positive feedback from members and agents alike.